Kingsville Things to Do

Tours of the King Ranch begin here, where there is a gift shop and a few displays and artifacts which tell the story of the ranch. Also we enjoyed viewing a 30 minute film about the history of the ranch.The visitor center is open weekdays - 9 to 4, and Sundays - 12 to 5. Admission to the Visitor Center is free and cost of the 90 minute tour was...

Each of the scores of cowboys who live and work on King Ranch is assigned a Quarter Horse or horses which are for his exclusive use. He has the full responsibility of that horse, including breaking and training it. The first Quarter Horse ever registered by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), in 1941, was "Wimpy" from King Ranch. Several...

This exceptionally fine small museum is housed in a restored century-old Ice factory and power plant, built shortly after the founding of Kingsville.Highlights of the exhibits include antique carriages, vintage custom-made cars, saddles from around the world, and guns. We also enjoyed viewing Tom Frisell's award-winning photographic essay of life...

We have excellent birding opportunities and even some guided tours. The King Ranch offers guided tours on their property, and you can contact the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute about birds. We also have the South Texas Wintering Birds website for you to upload your spottings!

This is one of the oldest and largest working cattle ranches in America, and the birthplace of the American ranching industry. It is also home of the first American Registered Quarter Horse and founder of the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle. I first heard of King Ranch when I was a kid and all of my heroes were cowboys. It was a thrill to see the...

Although they are tough and hardy, it is said that the Texas Longhorn cattle breed does not make the best beef. Once the primary breed, today less than 200 head of Longhorns are still kept on King Ranch for historical purposes.

This fire-proof building, designed by Jules Leffand, was constructed in 1909. It served as the stable and carriage house for the Main Residence of King Ranch. Many of the carriages and custom made automobiles that were once kept here can be seen at the King Ranch Museum (see our next tip) in downtown Kingsville.

The Santa Gertrudis were especially bred on the King Ranch for their tolerance of the hot south Texas sun and resistance to biting insects. These handsome and hardy red cattle were developed from 5/8 Shorthorn and 3/8 Brahman stock. At the time of its founding, the Santa Gertrudis was the first new breed of cattle to be officially recognized in...

This 30 bedroom mansion is the main residence for King Ranch and was built in 1915, by Henrietta King, Widow of the ranch's founder, Richard King. Today the home is used on a rotating basis by any of the 100+ heirs who own the ranch. President George W. Bush, country singer George Strait, and many other celebrities are often guests here. For that...

Kingsville Restaurants

My wife and I stopped here on our way back from S.P.I., TX. We stopped because the parking lot was full and got a really good meal at a reasonable price. We are both White and don't know authentic Mexican food from Tex-Mex. Having said that, we do know what we like, and we really liked the Taco Salad and Enchilada Plate that we ordered.

This is an old-fashioned soda fountain in the back corner of a drug store. It's the nostalgic kind of place that was in almost every small town in America 50 years ago, but is rare to find today.
I had the bacon-cheeseburger for $2.95, and Karen the jalepeno-cheeseburger, only $2.55. They were both big, thick, juicy, and delicious. We shared a hot...

Kingsville Shopping

King Ranch Saddle Shop is well known for its high quality luggage, purses, business accessories, hunting gear, and of course, their saddles. It was first established in 1865 by Captiain King for the purpose of making and repairing the saddles and other equipment needed on his ranch. Today the business is located in the historic Ragland Building in downtown Kingsville.

What to pay:
A lot!

Related to:

Horse Riding

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Kingsville Favorites

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The origin of the famous Running "W" brand is shrouded in mystery. Some have speculated that it represents one of the many Diamond-Back Rattlesnakes that inhabit the South Texas plains, or the Santa Gertrudis Creek that winds it's way through the King Ranch. Perhaps it symbolizes the sweep of the Texas Longhorn's rack, or maybe it was just a practical design chosen because it is difficult to alter and quick to heal. Whatever the case, today the Running "W" is one of the best known brands in Texas. It has also become the logo for the fine leather goods and other items which bear the King Ranch label.